Scammed by my Basenji

[AJs Human]

The people who say Basenji are not intelligent do not look at it the way we do. They equate instant, blind obedience with intelligence. In humans, intelligence is measured in problem solving abilities. This is how we see intelligence in our dogs.

[MacPack]

They are excellent at problem-solving. The humans are usually 'the problem' and most basenjis can manage their humans very well.

[AJs Human]

As mine proved with the original post. snicker

[wizard]

Snicker is right - AJ was laughing his head off all the way home

[Shaye's Mom]

I've seen more than one bit of proof they "fake it" when they've had enough of something. Mine will lift one paw and walk on three legs when she has had enough of walking someplace she doesn't want to be. Of course, when I check the paw, no nettles, no pickers, no nothing, but she's had her "moment" and is happy to continue at that point.

[Patty]

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You are so right. Hugs to the clever AJ.

[kjdonkers]

Basenji's are smart in the sense that they can get what they want, and that doesn't include being taught all kinds of silly tricks.
Sometimes Lela and Binti will stay with a person in the park carrying treats. I call them over with my own treat, sometimes over a distance of over 100 yards: they come running to me (I feel very proud!), sit, get my treat and instantly turn around and run off to the other person again, to pick up where they left….

[Kipawa]

@kjdonkers:

Basenji's are smart in the sense that they can get what they want, and that doesn't include being taught all kinds of silly tricks.
Sometimes Lela and Binti will stay with a person in the park carrying treats. I call them over with my own treat, sometimes over a distance of over 100 yards: they come running to me (I feel very proud!), sit, get my treat and instantly turn around and run off to the other person again, to pick up where they left….

How true is THAT!!! I have had that happen on a number of occasions with Kipawa! It's all about food. And sunshine of course, as Lela and Binti are showing in that lovely picture. And just look at those sweet, adorable, kind, CONNIVING faces!

[avdpierre]

i love this….so very funny1

[ownedbyspencer]

My goodness, what a clever little schemer! I have learned that not much stands between a determined Basenji and his goal.

[Kipawa]

They are also very clever at winning people over. My sis, who owns and loves chow chows, just didn't 'get' my excitement when I made plans to get a basenji. At the beginning, she thought Kipawa was cute, but she was still reserved with her feelings. However, she is totally in love with Kipawa now, and he loves her too. And she is now loving the breed itself. If she sees a good basenji picture somewhere, she will post it on facebook. Those basenji faces can just melt our hearts, and that is why the little buggers can get away with so much.